“I’m not upset with you, or Grant. In fact, though it sucked to witness first hand, I think it helped in some ways. This is bigger than I am. It’s not about you choosing him over me, or some infatuation you had for him before meeting me. It’s love.” He shrugged. “You two are meant to be together. I’m still trying to work out my own feelings, but it helps knowing this was laid out way before me.”
“I’m sorry you saw that last night, but I’m glad you have a better understanding. I can’t express enough we didn’t want to hurt you. We tried to ignore our feelings but, you’re right, it’s bigger than you. I’m starting to realize it’s bigger than all of us.”
“I know, Kylie. I’m figuring that out too.”
“One day you’re going to find that person and it will all make sense. If fate is guiding us then someday it will all fall into place. Why I’m here, why we met, everything leading up to that moment, will all make sense. I know there’s a bigger picture. We just can’t see it.”
The dove flitted to where he sat and took several hops toward him. “Yeah, and you coming into my life can only be a good thing. I look forward to what the future holds.” Liam lifted his finger and the bird bounced back.
“Is that sarcasm?” I asked.
He chuckled and the bird flew away. “No, I’m serious. My life has been better since the day you entered it.”
“Are you crazy? I’m a walking disaster, like a crazy tornado leaving destruction in my path.”
He shook his head. “You and I are obviously viewing this from two very different perspectives. I’d never experienced life until I met you. Good, bad, it doesn’t matter. I’m living. My life was dull before you.”
I raised an eyebrow.
He continued. “No matter the outcome, I’ll take the things I’ve experienced since meeting you. It’s…normal. I’ve never had a normal life. People our age should fall in and out of love, rebel on occasion, be angry, question authority. It’s natural. We’re supposed to be figuring life out, not just going through the motions.” He grinned. “Okay, maybe you’re more like a small whirlwind, but that’s the fun part. Brighid wanted to marry me for the title, the prestige. That’s all my life has been, a big stage production. Stand here, talk, walk, smile, do this, do that. Before you, I thought that was the way it should be. I figured life didn’t get any better, not knowing how much my life lacked. Even if you aren’t the one for me, the time I spent with you has made me realize there’s so much more.”
“So if you don’t marry me, will you be stuck marrying Brighid again?” I shuddered. This wonderful guy being married to that pink-haired psycho. She’d believed her rightful place was by his side and wouldn’t let anything stand in her way, including me. She’d been banished to the human world for one year as punishment for her attempt to kill me, and considering how much she loathed humans, it seemed sufficient. Of course, with the way time worked here, that meant she’d return to Tir na nOg sooner rather than later, but I’d hoped it wouldn’t be to the castle. I wasn’t sure a couple fae months away was long enough for me.
“No way. I won’t marry that girl. At least, I don’t think I’ll have to. I wouldn’t think they would let her back to court.”
“After everything we talked about, seriously? If you don’t want to marry her, don’t. Stand your ground.”
“I know. I know.”
“Promise me you and I aren’t going through all this craziness for you to end up in some crap marriage. When you do marry, it’ll be for love.”
He remained quiet.
“I’m serious. Promise me.”
“I’ll try. It’s not easy for royalty sometimes it’s about family ties and–”
“Stop. Repeat after me. I will marry for love.”
He laughed. I waited for him to say it.
“I will marry for love.”
“Good. Don’t disappoint me.”
“Maybe I’ll never marry.”
I rolled my eyes. “We’re going to have to work on this. I’m not giving up on you yet.”
He laughed. “Thanks, I guess.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
He pulled me into a hug. “I’m glad to have you as a friend, and I hope you’ll still be my friend after what I have to say next.”
I eyed him.
“My father’s hell bent on announcing our engagement. Tonight.”
Chapter 17
Liam had managed to get the big announcement postponed one day, explaining I needed an extra day of rest after having been “ill,” but now the time had come and I was ready to get it over with.
“I cannot believe we’re doing this again, but on a positive note, I won’t be running out on him this time.” I smiled at Lexie in the mirror.
She slouched on my bed, legs crossed, fiddling with a strand of her hair. She looked up. “And you get to wear a gorgeous dress. I’m super jealous.”
“Pick something out. You can wear something beautiful too.” I gestured toward the wardrobe.
“They won’t fit me. I have nothing to fill it out.” She stared at her chest.
I eyed my friend and tapped my finger on my chin. “Damn, and me without a sock drawer.”
“Ha ha. You’re hilarious.”
“I’m kidding. It’s not a problem though. Ida can alter it. Right Ida?” I glanced at her.
“I’d love nothing more.”
“She’s kidding. She’ll do it,” I assured Lexie.
She eyed the dresses, glanced at Ida then stared back at the dresses.
I nodded, encouraging her to do it.
“Okay, why not?”
“Whoopee,” Ida mumbled.
I rolled my eyes, stifling a laugh. If I couldn’t win her over, might as well get some benefit out of having her around all the time. If it had been Cara here, she would’ve designed a dress for my friend.
Lexie flipped through the gowns and settled on a pewter sheath dress. After Ida altered it and, to my surprise, did an amazing job, Lexie looked beautiful. The color complemented her naturally tan skin and honey blond hair.
“You look gorgeous, Lex.”
“Thanks but it pales in comparison to you.”
“Doubt that.” I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror. The fabric of the simple, empire waist gown flowed to the floor in delicate folds. The Grecian style dress was pretty but not a Cara original designed just for me.
“You look beautiful. You’re crazy. It’s a great fit for you, plus if you decide to run, it’s not too constricting.”
I laughed and Ida grunted, which made me laugh more. “It’s a joke, Ida. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Whatever.” She packed her sewing supplies. She looked like she couldn’t get away from us fast enough.
Lexie shrugged and I shook my head, not letting Ida bother me today. A knock at the door saved Ida from any further torture. She opened the door then stepped aside to let Conor enter.
“I came to escort two beautiful ladies to dinner.” He grinned, whispering something in Lexie’s ear, which earned him a playful swat and giggle.
“Let’s get this over with.” I ushered them out the door and as I closed it, noticed Ida glaring at me. Hopefully she didn’t have a little voodoo doll of me hidden somewhere, because I was confident she’d jab in every single pin from her sewing box the minute I closed the door.
“Liam convinced his father to let you two sit with Lexie and me, instead of at the king’s table. At least, you won’t be on display, which is generous of Alastar.” Conor rubbed his chin. “Then again, maybe he agreed in case you decided to make a quick exit. He wouldn’t be mortified.”
“That makes more sense,” I scoffed. “He probably also has the doors heavily guarded as a precaution.”
Liam waited for us outside the dining hall. “You look beautiful, as always.” He smiled as he took my hand to lead me in. “Ready to get this over with?”
“Yep, and look.” I lifted the hem of my dress. “No running shoes
.”
Liam chuckled. “Good to know.”
He pushed open the doors and several people glanced in our direction. Liam walked me to our table, thankfully, tucked in the back but unfortunately still in Alastar’s direct line of sight.
Hyper-aware of the stares, I spread my skirt and sat in the most ladylike way possible. Who knows why I cared what these people thought of me? Maybe because my behavior reflected on Liam? I didn’t want to hurt him any more.
“When my father makes the announcement we’ll need to stand for a toast, but other than that we can stick to the back. It won’t be too bad.” He bounced his knee and tapped his fingers on the table.
I reached over and steadied his hand, which also stopped the nervous movement of his foot. “It’s fine, Liam. Quit stressing.” I smiled.
Conor saw some guard friends and decided to talk to them to see if there was any more talk about Grant’s departure, but I think showing Lexie off had a little to do with it too. She smiled and laughed as he introduced her. It amazed me how well she blended in with this crowd. Something I couldn’t seem to do.
Liam and I remained seated. Though I tried to ignore it, my name was whispered several times as people passed by. Relief mixed with anxiety as Alastar entered. Everyone rose. A smug smile stretched across his face as he stood with his chest puffed out and chin held high. All the attention had him gloating. My skin crawled and I took several calming breaths.
Alastar didn’t waste any time or give me an opportunity to vanish like the last time. Before he even sat, he raised a goblet filled with sparkling liquid gold.
“While I have your attention, I’m pleased to announce some delightful news.”
Pleased. I fought the urge to roll my eyes.
“It is with great pleasure I inform you of Liam’s engagement to the beautiful Kyla, daughter of Aislinn.” He focused on me. “Please raise a glass to celebrate the magic of love.”
I tried to play it cool, but my shoulders tensed. With a big, happy smile, I held Liam’s hand. He squeezed back. Everyone raised their glasses and toasted to young love. Some wore delighted expressions, while others wore jealous stares and several wore hateful glares. I kept smiling.
As everyone drank to the toast, Liam leaned over and whispered, “We need to walk around a bit and receive the congratulations. It’s expected. If we just sit, we’ll be considered ungrateful of the well wishes. It shouldn’t take long, though. A quick walk around.”
“Okay, but I don’t see many well-wishers,” I whispered.
He squeezed my hand again, and led me into the crowd. People were polite, but I didn’t get the welcoming vibe I had at the first engagement party. The one before I ran away.
When someone announced dinner service, I relaxed. Liam led me back to the table where Conor and Lexie waited.
The second we sat, Lexie blurted out, “You will never guess what I heard. Some girls were talking behind me and one said, ‘I hear the kitchen is always open for Liam.’ Then another girl said, ‘Maybe the fire’s hotter.’ Then someone else said, ‘She deserves a taste of her own medicine.’ But then they walked away, so I didn’t hear anything else.”
“Awesome.” I groaned as I tore my dinner roll into a pile of crumbs.
Liam’s face reddened and he apologized to me.
I waved it off. “It’s not your fault. We knew this might happen and I’d rather have Cara out of the kitchen. Those girls wouldn’t like me either way.”
I poked at the food in front of me. Though frustrated with the stares and rumors, what weighed on my mind was Alastar’s speech. I’d like to have had thought it a coincidental choice of words, but nothing with him was by chance.
We survived the awkward dinner and on our way back to our rooms, I pulled Conor aside to talk to him.
“Did you find anything odd about Alastar’s speech?”
He cocked a half-smile. “Besides the fact you two aren’t engaged?”
“Yeah, besides the obvious stupidity of the entire thing”
“Not really.” He shrugged.
“Okay, maybe it’s nothing then. I’m probably making more out of it because it’s on my mind.”
“What is it?”
“He said ‘magic of love.’”
“I don’t see how that’s weird. Lots of people say stupid stuff like that.”
“But lots of people don’t have a prophecy about love awakening magic hanging over them.”
“True, but I’m sure you’re over thinking it.”
“I hope so, and I hope the stare down he gave me while saying those words was also a coincidence.” I tugged at my earring, then twirled the diamond stud between my fingers.
“Okay, you left that part out.” He rubbed his chin. “I don’t know. It could mean something, but I’m not convinced. I think you need to play it cool. If you start acting jumpy and suspicious, Alastar might have reason to figure out why.”
“I know. It’s probably nothing. Thanks, Conor.”
“No problem.”
He walked off, but I headed the other way.
“Hey, aren’t you coming?” He gestured toward the direction in which Lexie and Liam had continued walking.
“In a little while. I want to get some fresh air. I need to calm my nerves. Being outside helps.”
“Okay, if you need anything you know where to find us.”
My dress swished around me as I walked, lost in thought, but the two guards standing at the exit snapped me back to reality. Damn. I’d hoped to duck out without anyone noticing, but should have known better. No way would the king leave an exit unguarded.
I forced a smile, recognizing the one with the clean-shaven head from the other night. I hoped he didn’t remember me. The second guard blocked the exit, ready to stop me.
“I’m just getting a little fresh air.” I attempted my most charming smile.
The guard looked unsure. Now that dinner had ended, he didn’t know if he should allow me out.
The one I’d recognized spoke. “No problem, you can pass through.”
The other guy stared at him.
“It’s fine. She just wants a walk. Go right ahead.”
He gestured toward the door with a broad smile. His bright gaze never left me, giving me the impression the ambrosia hadn’t worn off. Oops. I hadn’t expected to run into any of those guys for a while. The other guard hesitated then stepped out of my way.
“Thanks.” I slipped out before he tried to stop me.
Once outside, I relaxed. Magic tingled within me. It itched to get out. Alone, I turned to a rose bush and helped it bloom. Further down the path, I encouraged several small flowers bordering the walkway to sprout. The sensation of magic flowing through made me giddy.
A guard walked past. I jumped and reined in my powers. Upon seeing me, he stopped. Orin. Out of all the guards I didn’t want to see, he topped the list.
He took me in. If the door guard was still under the effects, Orin, who drank almost half the bottle, would still be faery awestruck. Remembering how sleazy he’d been the first time I met him, I worried. I had hoped to see other guards but, of course, now there would be none.
He sauntered over. “Hi, Kylie.”
I crossed my arms over my chest, feeling naked with the way he ogled me.
“Orin.” I made my tone sharp. “I’m headed inside.” As I slipped past him, he put his arm out and my heartbeat raced. I stepped back.
“Did you need something?” I held my chin high.
“I’ve been thinking about you lately. Actually, you’re all I can think about.” He licked his lips and checked over his shoulder. “Why is that, Kylie?”
“I haven’t the slightest idea. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m headed inside.”
“Something tells me you do.” His gaze met mine. “You know, it’s weird how I feel involved in Grant’s escape. It doesn’t make sense. I never would’ve freed the guy. He and I didn’t exactly click. Then, there’s you. When I’m not wracked with guilt over
him, I’m consumed with thoughts about you. Back and forth, my mind goes. Grant and Kylie. Kylie and Grant. How is that connected? Hmm.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I tried passing him again.
“Nah-ah-ah.” He blocked my path.
I halted and took an additional step, assuring more than an arm’s length from him.
“You know ambrosia can make you become fascinated with people. Sort of like how I can’t get you out of my mind. Isn’t that an interesting coincidence?”
I offered no response, while weighing my options. Run? He’d stop me. Scream? No one would hear. Of course, there was always magic. It’d be dangerous and stupid to use it in front of him. The story would get around. What choice did I have? As he spoke, I relaxed and let it bubble to life.
“It doesn’t seem fair. I can’t stop thinking about you, and here you are. Right in front of me, with no one else around.” He wet his lips again as his gaze traveled down my body and back up.
“This conversation is over.” My skin prickled and stomach churned. “I’m going to give you one more chance to move out of my way.”
He laughed. “Or what?”
“Is that a no?”
With a wicked grin, he shook his head.
“I’m not someone you want to mess with, Orin, and if you walk away from this unharmed, I recommend you never come near me again.”
He advanced like an animal stalking prey.
Anger exploded, amplifying the magic. Glaring him down, I shook the earth.
Eyes wide, he spread his arms to steady himself.
I smirked and gushed magic into the ground. The trembling knocked him off his feet. Tree roots bound his arms and legs, tighter and tighter, until he winced.
Another root snaked over his chest then plunged into the ground. I summoned the moss growing between the walkway stones to multiply. It stretched over his chest and neck then crept over his face.
He never had a chance to call for help, and now it was too late. Muted pleas escaped his lips. He squirmed beneath his blanket of moss, fighting his restraints.
I gave the ground one last violent shake, splitting it in two beneath him.
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